The Beatles were commemorated in Dublin on Wednesday with a plaque to mark the only concerts they played here - which ended in a riot.

The Fab Four brought Beatlemania to Ireland 55 years ago on November 7, 1963 when they performed two shows in one night at the old Adelphi Cinema in the heart of the city.

Thousands of eager Irish fans thronged Middle Abbey Street, hoping to see their idols in the flesh.

But the night descended into chaos and left people hurt, windows broken and cars vandalised.

Journalist Paddy Murray told Morning Ireland how the events unfolded.

He said:“It was somehow allowed for people to come out of the venue at the same time as people were going in for the next concert along with a lot of people trying to get in for nothing. There was a mini-riot which made it kind of memorable.”

Beatles fan Terri Coleman-Black who attended at the age of 14, recalled the excitement of the event.

She said: “The guards came down and the whole thing was an overreaction, there’s no doubt whatsoever.

“It was almost like ‘If we come in here, we’re going to stop this right now’.

Read More

The Lord Mayor said: “The Beatles provided the background music to my (very early!) childhood and their visit here allowed Dubliners to experience something of the swinging 60’s in our own city.

“I think it is very fitting that this plaque is now in place to mark the spot where thousands of people stood on that famous night in 1963.

“The Beatles’ popularity and influence continues today, and this commemorative plaque acts as a focal point for fans and all music lovers, to remember these four talented young musicians who all had Irish roots and who played here so early in their fantastic careers.”